The Kenyan Agricultural Policy Reforms and Insights from Global Agricultural-Led Economic Transformation Success Stories

Abstract

Agriculture is the bedrock of the economy. The sector supports greatly the economy of many nations globally. Digitalization of agriculture and investment in research and development have been key in the transformation of the sector. Brazil has been able to transform the agriculture and animal husbandry sector to achieve great levels of success. The Amazonian rain forest, favourable climatic conditions, a great wealth of natural resources, availability of potential arable land for expansion, and investment in research and development have contributed to the success story of Brazil. France is another country in the world that has achieved great levels of success in the agriculture sector. Despite the growth, the sector contributes a low percentage of employment opportunities. The geographical conditions in Africa favour agriculture. The continent boasts of the longest river in the world, the largest and second deepest river in the world, and the longest fresh-water lake, Lake Tanganyika. Yet, the continent is food insecure. This presents a paradox. Kenya needs to learn from the success stories of the countries that have transformed their economies through agriculture. Good policy governance, investment in research and development, advancement in infrastructure facilities, and collaboration of the county and national government with the agricultural research institutions are crucial toward the growth of the sector. This will result in exports surpassing the imports in the country. The budget has focused on the sector by setting finances to help in the improvement of production. The change in policy framework from the pre-colonial period up to the present has played a crucial role. The regimes have experienced a change in land ownership from the Europeans to the African farmers, which has helped in the intensification of agriculture. Different policies have been developed aimed at transforming agriculture, with the agricultural sector transformation and growth strategy being the current policy document.